Pet-Safe Cleaning: What Products to Avoid

Pets spend a lot of time on floors and furniture, and they lick their paws and fur. That means cleaning products can affect them more than we realize. Here's how to clean your home safely with pets around.

General Safety Rules

• Follow the label and keep pets out of the room until surfaces are dry.
• Rinse surfaces after using strong cleaners, especially floors.
• Store all cleaners where pets can't reach them.
• Never mix cleaning products.

Ingredients and Products to Be Careful With

• Bleach: Fumes and residue can irritate pets. If used, dilute properly, ventilate, rinse well and keep pets away until dry.
• Ammonia: Strong fumes, and it can encourage pets to mark the same spot.
• Some essential oils: Tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, citrus, pine and others can be harmful to cats and dogs, especially when diffused or applied to surfaces they touch.
• Phenols: Found in some disinfectants, and particularly dangerous for cats.
• Strong fragrances: Can irritate pets' sensitive noses and airways.

Safer Cleaning Options

• Warm water and mild dish soap for most surfaces
• Baking soda for deodorizing (vacuum it up thoroughly)
• Diluted white vinegar on safe surfaces
• Enzyme cleaners for pet accidents
• Products labeled pet-safe, used as directed

Floors and Pets

Pets walk on and lie on floors, so rinse floors with plain water after using cleaners, and let them dry before letting pets back in.

If Your Pet Is Exposed

If your pet licks or swallows a cleaning product, or shows signs like drooling, vomiting or breathing problems, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately.

FAQ

Is vinegar safe around pets? Diluted vinegar is generally considered low-risk for cleaning, but keep pets away until surfaces dry.

Are "natural" cleaners always safe? Not always. Some natural ingredients, like certain essential oils, can be harmful to pets.